Llanelly Star

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THE BURDEN OF THE RATES. THE cry for economy in national ex- penditure is growing in insistence every day. After what transpired at the meeting of the Finance Committee this week we expect that the ratepayers of Llanelly will call upon the Corporation to take drastic steps in the direction of re- trenchment. The burden of the rates hears heavily upon the community in these trying days and the prospect of an addition of Is. 4d. to the district rate is one that will bring consternation to every household in the town. We must give the Finance Committee credit for having carefully considered the estimate of ex- penditure We do not forget, either, that the bulk of the increase is due to the ever-recurring demands of the employes for increased wages. It is a significant fact that the wage bill to-day is C200 a week more than in 1914. After making allowance for all this, however, we do not think that the committee have shown any desire for economy in other directions. What is wanted is a sharp pruning knife to ruthlessly and remorselessly cut down every shilling that can be saved. Apart from the intolerable drain which they moan to the pocket of every burgess; heavy rates are a serious handicap to the development of the town. No new in- dustries will be attracted to Llanelly with the rates soaring to the neighbourhood of 15s. in the L. It is high time, too, that the assessments were made more equitable Glaring cases have come to our notice of premises being absurdly under-asaessed. Two adjoining properties can be men- tioned, of equal area and approximately equal value, and yet there is a difference of in the assessments. Taken as a whole, there can be no doubt that assess- ments in Llanelly arc low. They are cer- tainly lower than in Swansea, Merthyr, and Aberdare. This will partly account for our rates being comparatively higher than in those towns, though it does not necessarily mean that the actual amount paid by the average Llanelly ratepayer is more. We would further impress upon the overseers the urgent duty of bringing into operation the new scale of works assessment. This is primarily the func- tion of the Assessment Committee and why it has not already been done passes our comprehension. As Coun. Jennings points out, it is distinctly unfair to the ratepnyers of Llanelly that this increased revenue should be lost to the town through the inaction of the Assessment Committee. PRICES AND PROFITS. I WITH the appointment last week of local committees to carry out the work allotted to them under the Profit- eering Act interest in the Ace and in the steps to be taken to put an end to ex- cessive prices has been greatly stimula- ted. Prices in general have undoubtedly fallen, and though this, especially in working-class districts, is partly due to the establishment or to the fear of open- air markets, it is also to be attributed to the apprehension of the working of the Act. As was stated in this column last week, traders have been considering their position, and the fall of prices then noted has been. even more marked during the last few days. A reduction in the price of sugar is announced by a large firm with many retail shops. That the pub- lic entertain high hopes that something will be done by the local committees is apparent from the indignation expressed in districts where the local authority has ,1 reruseo. zo appoint a committee. The of- ficials of the Profiteering Act Depart- ment lay great stress on the fact that the successful working of the Act de- pends almost entirely on the co-operation of the public.

I Education Topics  I Technical School. Coun. Willis Jones referred at the meet- ing of the Education Committee on Wednesday to the projected scheme for the establishment of a technical school in the town. The Co-nty authority had been approached in the matter and bad asked for details showing what amount of fin- ancial liability they would incur by the adoption of the scheme. Mr. Jones said that it would have to be decided whether they should have a central school at Stebonheath. There was also the alter- native of converting the H.E. School into a technical school. It was vital to the i adoption of a really efficient scheme that there should be complete co-operation be- tween the Education Committee and the County Committee. I Return of Attendances. The return of attendances at the various schools for September shows that several departments reached "the percent- age (92 for boys, SO for girls, and 83.5 for infants), entitling them to a half- holiday. The best returns are:—Church of England (G) 97 (B) 95; Park street, 94; Stebonheath, 94; Copper Works, (G) 94; Bigyn (B) 93, (G) 93; Old Road (G) 93; Bigyn (I) 92; Copper Works (B) 92; Higher Elementary 92; Lakefield (B) 92, New Dock, (G) 92; Roman Catholic, 92. I Expenditure. I The return of expenditure .submitted at I the meeting on Wednesday showed a total of L7,248, by far the biggest item, of course, being salaries of teachers which amounted to £ 3,179. Here are some of the other accounts:—Repayment of loans and interest, £ 123; T. P. Jones (repairs), £ 82; Benj. Howell and Son, ) £ 60; W. Eynon (coal), £ 33; Desks for ,St--bonheatb, EIS; overhauling lighting at Stebonheath, £ 18; Books, etc. for schools, £83, Increasing the Insurance. Coun. W, hj. Clement called attention to the items "repairs" which figured in the list of expenses, and asked what these were. The Clerk explained that new out- houses had been built at the Old road Girls' School. Coun. Clement: I should like to know also if anything has been done with re- gard to the raising of the fire insurance at the different schools. The Clerk: This has been raised 100 per cent, at Stebonheath School and 50 per cent. at all the other schools. Coun. Clement It should be raised 200 per cent, in my opinion. Physical Instructors. I The Clerk reported that he had been making inquiries as to the Galaries gener- ally paid to physical instructors in South Wales, and he had found that the salary usually paid to men ranged from jE250 to £ 300, and to women from ZCISO to £230. Teacher's Application. I I A letter was read from Mr. J. H. Greene, Higher Elementary School, re- ferring to the decision which the Com- mittee arrived at at their last meeting to raise his salary to £ 250, this to be in- creased by yearly increments up to £ 275. Supporting Mr. Greene's claim for a larger increase was a letter from the Association of infii-iiil Teachers, which .sta kd the salaries paid to teachers of the same class as the applicant, in other towns. Aid. H. D. Rees: Did we arrive at a certain decision last meeting ? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Aid. Bees: Then I dcn't see why our time should be taken up meeting after meeting with matters of this kind. It was decided to adhere to the former decision. Appointments I The following appointments at the I Church of England School were con- firmed :-M5ss M. A. Watts in place of Miss Glasonbury; Miss D. Jones in place of Mrs. Poyntz; and Mr. T. J. Samuel iu place of Mr. Godsell. Aid. H. D. Rees referred to the depar- ture of Mr. Godsell in whom the commit- tee were losing a good man. The Committee joined with Aid. Rees in expressing good wishes for Mr Godsell's future. The appointment of Miss Ryan to fill a vacancy at the R.C. School was con- firmed.

WEBLEY'S FURNISHINC STORES, MARSH ST. Re-opening Business After serving in H.M. Forces Overseas and just been demobbed, the above Pre- mises will be OPEN DAILY from Sept- I ember 22nd, 1919, for the Sale of NEW and. SECOND-HAND FURNITURE at reasonable prices. Shop Assistants Union (Llanelly Branch). IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. VISIT OF | Mr. JOHN TURNER General Secretary. ALL Shop AVorkers:- -NTan-,gei-s, Assistants, Dressmakers and Mil- liners should attend the MASS MEETING of Shop Workers at the ATHENAEUM HALL on WEDNESDAY EVENING next at 7.30 p.m. Speakers MR. JOHN TURNER, Ceneral Secretary and others. A local Councillor will preside. Matters of very great importance will be dealt with by Mr. Turner, so rally in large numbers.

I An Open Air School — .& PROPOSALS BY THE M.O.H. Interesting proposals for the establish- ment of a school for defective children were outlined by Dr. Francis at the meet- ing of the Education Committee on Wed- nesday. The M.O.H. told the committee that he had recently visited a certain school at Aberdare where there was a certain portion set apart for physically and mentally defective children. There were about 90 children there at present. Coun. D. Jennings: Have you any sug- gestions to make with regard to erecting such a school at Llanelly, and any esti- mate of the probable cost ? Medical Officer: Well, sir, an Army hut, which would serve the purpose would cost from zC250 to C300. It has been proposed that the site should be near the Llanerch, and we could provide accommo- dation for about 50 children at first. The cost of erection together with the material would be about £450. Coun. Clement: Don't you think we would have some difficulty in getting parents to allow their mentally defective or delicate children to go to this school ? Medical Officer: Well, I think it should simply be called an open air school. Mr. Jennings: That's better. I don't care for the term "mentally defective" at all. "Backward" or "delicate" wouldn't be so bad. I propose we wait for a further report on the matter and ask for a plan to be prepared and the definite site stated. We haven't got the land yet. Let's know where we are. This motion was eventually adopted.

CORPORATION OF LLANELLY. CAUTION As to Water Consumption. ALL CONSUMERS are urgently re- — quested to exercise the greatest economy in the use of Water for Domestic Purposes. The present position is very serious. Works supplies have been stopped. Water for Baths is not now available. Garden Watering must be entirely suspended. Any leak or accidental wastage of Water by breakage should be instantly re- ported to the Waterworks Engineer at the Town Hall, Llanelly. Penalties will be enforced for any breach of regulations. By Order, HENRY W. SPOWART, Town Hall, Llanelly. Town Clerk. 9th September. 1919.. Great l ews for Llanelly. SHORT VISIT OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS EYESICHT EXPERT. MR. W. 00B8 To St. Peter's Hall, Paddock Street, o kJ U. J, e e J. S 1..l a c.1J 0 C "J'. C.. LLANELLY, Fj'? F?'?'s 3??? ?MSw. Fas" II II.i i1 '.).i Slays Residents of Llanelly land District will be pleased to hear that Mr. W. COBB, the famous eyesight expert has arranged to visit the St. Peter's Hall, Paddock Street, Llanelly, for a short stay. Mr. Cobb is no stranger to the district, and during his visit will be pleased to meet old friends and new. There are in Llanellv to-day very large numbers of men, women and children whose eyesight is impaired or whose eyes are so rapidly weakening, that the very gift of sight itself is in danger of being lost. TVorkers in shops, offices and mines are in great need of proper attention to their sight. It is therefore not to be wondered at that great satisfaction is felt locally at the news that Mr. W Cobb, the principal, and his staff of world-famous experts, are going wholeheartedly into this vital question of perfect sight, and everyone will be made welcome and given a really unique opportunity of saving eye strain and of enjoying the delights of brilliant, clear and restful sight. MONDAY, RED-LETTER DAY. On Monday, Mr. Cobb and his staff take up their quarters at the St. Peter's Hall for six days only. Everyone who appreciates the extent of eye trouble in these parts will be relieved on paying a visit to Mr. W. Cobb of a great burden. Mr. Cobb will be in Llanelly to undertake this splendid work. No matter what the condition of your sight, says. Mr. Cobb, properly fitted and properly adjusted lenses will work wonders and tend to gradualy strengthen the vision. It is Mr. Cobb's purpose in visitng Llanelly to give everyone FREE ADVICE AND HELP. He wishes to open out to them the joys of perfectly adjusted sight, to give them at once the confidence of clear vision, and the restfulness of unstrained focussing on both near and distant objects. It may not, perhaps, be generally known that there are certain rays existing in all forms of light that are mast destructive to the sight. There are Ultra Violet and Heat Rays, and it is one of the most extraordinary qualities of Mr. Cobb's Famous Crystal Lenses that it completely shuts out these harmful elements It is no small thing for one to be able to consult the foremost eyesight expert in Europe absolutely free of charge, and these Optical Experts will certain lv have, a busy six days at Llanelly. They will willingly test lenses of those who already wear glasses and will say if they are suitable or not. CONSULTATIONS FREE. An ama;ng feature of Mr. Cohb's public-spirited effort is the fact that when it is proved absolutely necessary that glase-s should be worn, every one of Mr. Cobb's Lenses bear a postive guarantee for 10 years, and all previous guarantees are maintained and adhered to, this notwithstanding the fact that glasses are sup- plied at a pripe to suit the very poorest. THE FAMOUS EYESICHT EXPERT'S WORK. Those who have been privileged to meet Mr. Cobb during his South Wales tour, were amazed at the remarkable skill displayed by this expert. Those that had never before been able to secure glasses that did not irritate or strain the eyes were full of joy to find that a. new discovery in optical research had at last enabled I the eye-weak not only to see but also to cause a great improvement in health. i COME EARLY. ? HOURS OF CONSULTATION: 10 to 1; 2 to 7.30. SATURDAY: 7 to 1; 2 to 8.

Sporting Gossip RUCBY REFLECTIONS. I Fine win at Bath. I A week ago all Rugby followers of the town were wondering if the Scarlets would prove themselves strong enough to hold their own against the formidable Bath fifteen. Great interest was taken in the fixture, as Bath had to their credit some notable victories, chief among which was the fine win of thirteen points which the Somerset men gained against the re- doubtabi? "Tigers," who are well known as requiring a lot of stopping on their own ground. Speculation was therefore rife in Llanelly, the majority of sup- porters agreeing that it would be a rare tussle for supremacy. The committee decided to take no chances and selected their strongest pos- sible fifteen, but it was unfortunate that Uwyn Francis and Rev. W. T. Havard were unable to make the journey, as this had the effect of considerably weakening the pack. The match aroused widespread interest in the Somerset town, and it was ad- mitted that the city men would have to play up all they knew. There was a splendid attendance when the teams fielded at 3 o'clock, and the weather was ideal. In the first half Llanelly did near- ly all the pressing, but the backs were not playing up to the mark, their passing leaving a lot to be desired. Time after time the tinplaters carried all before them and rushed down to the home 25 osly to have the whole attack spoiled by a slight infringement. Vowles, the home inside half, was play- ing a splendid game, but he had all his work cut out to watch his nippy vis-a-vis, young D. J. Bennett, who on several oc- casions opened out the game for the threequarters. At last the Scarlets' j chance came, through Llew Bennett, who when play was being waged in the home 25, gave a smart pass to Grham Davies, who in turn transferred toAlbert Jenkins The fleet-footed centre made no hesita- tion, and, showing a clean pair of heels, sped over with a try which was uncbn- verted. Llanelly continued to force mat- ters throughout the first half, but the interval arrived with no further score. The home men restarted in great style, and a try was scored before play had 'I been in progress many minutes. The Scarlets contended that this score should I have been disallowed as one of'the home ¡' men had knocked on, but the referee ruled otherwise. From now on the game became exciting, and D. J. Bennett at last gave Llanelly the lead again by run- ning over with a try which Albert Jenkins failed to convert. The final whistle blew with the Scarlets winners by six points to three. A deserved victory. I Llanelly were admittedly the better team, and thoroughly deserved their vic- tory, narrow though it was. The Bath men had to play up all they knew to keep the margin (:, ov,. --i to three points. Hugh Jones at ,full-back played the game of his life, his touch finding being wonderfully accurate. Bryn Evans did well in the threequarter line, his tackling being superb. On one occasion he was laid out as the result of a splendid tackle. Albert Jenkins also did himself justice, and on a couple of occasions narrowly missed dropping a goal. It is useless to single out the for- wards. Suffice to say, they all played a dashing game and thrilled the spectators with their famous rushes. To-day's match at Stradey will be a veritable battle royal, and Llanellyites are looking forward to another win for I their pets. I New Dock Stars beat Feiinfoel. I New Dock Stars met Felinfoel in a I league match at Machynis last Saturday, and defeated the villagers by 14 points to nil. The scorers were Idwal Thomas two, I J. 0. Davies and C. Ellery one try each. Davies ccnverted one of the tries. The home team showed a vast improvement I on the previous Saturday's play, there befhg a better understanding amongst the players. Stephens, tne Stars cus- toiian, was in tip top form, his .safe field- ing being a feature of the match. The home threequarters showed better co- hesion, and with a little further practice will make a fine quartette. Idwal Thomas the Stars right wing, was again in good form, and scored two tries in fine style. The halves also did well, and should make a good pair. The forwards were well led by Gwilym Hopkins, whilst Jack Lewis also played a hard game. George Thomas, the bustling New Dock forward, again stood down owing to ill- health. New Dock supporters will be glad to see him back in the blue jersey. The committee of the New Dock Stars are prepared to give young players every encouragement, and a series of fixtures is being arranged for the "B" team. Intending players should turn up at head- quarters and report themselves to the trainer, who will issue the necessary out- fit.. SOCCER. The Unbeaten Record. j More by luck than merit the Sooocr team continues to maintain its unbeaten record, a distinction, shared by only a few other Welsh teams. If, however, the "Sospans" wish to retain this honour they will have to improve on last Satur- day's display at Halfway. The game was a long way from being brilliant, and generally speaking, the spectators were disappointed. It is true the climatic conditions favoured a scrappy game, but apart from that the play of the "Sospans" was far below ex- pectations, and in extracting a point from the visitors they were decidedly lucky. I The Players. The home quintette lack cohesion and combination, which in Association is one of the most important factors. On many occasions clever movements were origin- ated only to fall to pieces at the critical moment. The shooting of the forwards waa as usual poor, and never was the visiting net called to withstand that "cannon ball shooting" which keeps the specta- tors on tenterhooks. The old adage "he who hesitates is lost" could profitably be repeated to the front line, and unless there is a decided improvement shortly I would strongly advise the directorate to be on the look-out for "new blood." Morris, on the right wing, was con- tinually in the picture with those delight- ful centres. He realizes his duty and keeps planting the ball across for the in- side men to shoot. Levi opened up rather shakily but improved as the game wore on. Payne, who has played football for 22 years cannot be expected to do more than he did. His position on the left wing has always been a weak spot in the home team, and it is now about time this was remedied. Rouse plays a tricky game, but is apt to be very selfish in front of goal. His failure to pass the ball to Poyntz on Saturday when the latter was in an ex- cellent position and having only the goalie to beat, was another instance of a glorious opportunity "gone west." The halves were in good fettle, and gave a level display. Martin was for ever in the fray, and Gough and Norris were cool and collected against two speedy wings. The outstnding figures on the home side were the backs who played a splen- did game. Their kicking was excellent, and they never played the man when the ball was to be obtained. The slippery ball did not seem to make the slightest difference to them and their sturdy dis- play won golden opinions. Bailiffe was safe and was not disposed to take any risks. He had no chance with the shots registered and he had less work than the visiting custodian. The Visitors. That the Barry team did not carry away both points was due to the fickle- ness of Dame Fortune, and they were dis- tinctly unlucky to have Morris equalising at the call of time. They are undoubted- ly an excellent combination and should prove formidable opponents to all their rivals.

MARRIAGE OF MR. TREVOR HUMPHREYS. The marriage took place at Freemantle Congregation Church, Southampton, on Tuesday, of Mr. G. Trcfor Humphreys, younger son of the Rev. B. and Mrs. Humphreys, FejnfoeJ, to Betty, only daughter of Mr. Mark G. Boyos, Cairo. Egypt.

Muui-w CU:¡, ] I — LLANELLY DISCOVERY AND A, MISSING KNIFE. i The Llanelly police have made a dis- covery which, it is understood, may have an important connection with the recent murder at Barry. It will be remembered that at the inquest upon the dead man, Jose Martinez, it was established that the fatal wounds were inflicted by a large knife. A search of Travis street and the vicinity where the affray took place failed to reveal any trace of he knife or any clue that would lcad to- its discovery. On Wednesday Sexgt. Rees, of the Llanelly Docks, interviewed a seaman, who pro- duced a knife and a cap, and it is under- stood he will be able to supply valuable information at the trial of the accused men, Alexander Craig and John Tollen. The seaman is William Stratfield, a member of the crew of the steamship Silba, which arrived in the North Dock from Falmouth. At the time of the murder the Silba was in Barry. It is understood that he states that he met a man w hom he did not know near Barry Dock, and that the man asked him to ex- change hat, which he dyi, and also handed to him a knife.

Tinplaters' Threat ■f 11 ■ i EMPLOYERS' NEW OFFER TO I AVERT A STOPPAGE. A meeting of the joint standing com- mittee of the Welsh Tinplate Trade In- dustrial Council was held at Swansea on Wednesday, Mr. F. W. Gilbertson in the chair. As already reported, unofficial meetings of tinplaters in certain districts had threatened to stop work next Satur- day unless all employes were included in the recent award of 12t per cent, to cer- tain sections. The agitation was centred particularly in the Neath and Briton Ferry districts, but as- engine-drivers, firemen, fitters, daymen, and others are concerned the industry was threatened with a stoppage. At the meeting of the council there were present on behalf of the men Messrs. W. Pugh (Dockers' Union), Victor Morgan (General Workers) J. H. John '(Welsh Artisans), Ivor Gwynne (tin and Sheet Millmen), and W. J. Cox (A.S.E.). The Chairman expressed regret at the unofficial threat of a strike, and hoped' that a satisfactory solution would be ar- rived at. It was stated that the owners were I prepared to extend the increase to the whole of the trade on the understanding that the men who had at first been con- ceded the 12i per cent, would make no further claim. This was put before the men's section for consideration.